Chance of Bush's reelection in 04

Right now, if you listen to the polls, it looks like a slam dunk. But between now and 2004, losts of things could happen. The only way the Democrats would have a chance of winning is if they found a candidate who captured the imagination of both the Democrats and the moderate Repubicans.

I could puke, but I think he's in......

It's kinda the same way I feel about the present-day LA Laker basketball team. They're the overwhelming favorites, but I'm gonna cheer like hell against them in the playoffs.

By today's indicators, I chose slam dunk-- but one of the reasons I love political season is because it's so unpredictable.

I love to watch the nutty machine work.

Bush could commit some major screw up; a new voice could emerge...
At this writing, all appears to be going Bushy. The economic indicators are going his way, too.

But, there are some areas where a Dem culd get a good toe hold-- If they were to publicize the Wolfowitz document that pushes for an 'imperialist'-type America and repudiate it with another more peaceable vision for the US as global hegemon-- if someone can come up with a feasible national healthcare plan-- But, if the Dems intend criticise, without a better idea, they may as well stay home.

I think the major problem for the Dems is they are being led by (McAuliffe) a political playah, rather than a man, who is driven by statesmanship, and a vision for a better America.

Hoping for fun and intrigue this election cycle-- but no intriguing chads.

All things being equal (i.e., no new catastrophes), if the economy improves, he's back in. If not--and if it gets much worse--it's a brand-new ballgame.

I think the major problem for the Dems is they are being led by (McAuliffe) a political playah, rather than a man, who is driven by statesmanship, and a vision for a better America.

Which is, I take it, your description of the Republican leadership?

Meanwhile the economy is falling apart, 27 states are red-lined, shutting down schools, curtailing medical care, reducing or eliminating services, rescinding tax breaks for the elderly. The Bush economic agenda of reducing federal budgets by tax breaks for the wealthy balanced by cutting funding for states and communities is breaking the backs of the middle class who have to come up with increased local taxation or lack of services or both. The homeland security, mandated by federal legislation but funded by states and communities, the war on terrorism (axis of evil) funded by further tax cuts (debt to our youngsters). The proposed tax cut voiced by the Bush administration as a means to encourage investment now reworded to "create new jobs by increasing purchase of goods and services" While Bush pushes up the limit on the credit card, we get the bill. This consistent redefining of the Bush agenda (WoMD now not expected to be found although he had hard evidence of their existence) has turned into a redefining of the economic agenda.

dyslexia
True the economy is or has fallen apart. However, as long as Bush can keep the war fever and terrorism scares alive it's a slam dunk. I guess it's the economy stupid has lost it's flavor. If need be N. Korea is always on the back burner.

N Korea, Syria, Cuba......

All true, but unfortunately the corporate-controlled media seem determined to keep the public distracted with sensational crime stories
and soap opera instead of news of the vital issues that impinge on our lives.

I read:


And thought "taxes of Evil"

slam dunk

why?

War time approval ratings, plus I think there will be an improvement (maybe just slight) in the economy that will take a lot of the edge off the criticism he faces on economic issues.

jjorge*197982*



Why blame the media. The information is out there and reported. Unless they are deaf and blind or brain dead people must be aware of the shape of the economy.

I guess consensus is that Bush will be with us through 08.
That means I suppose 4 more years of pissing, moaning and gnashing teeth.

You can't beath somebody with nobody and at the moment there is no democrat that can seriously challange him. The problem is not Bush's stature but rather the lackof serious opposition. The democrats have been in disarray since the 2000 election, have not been able to present a coherant and concessive alternative vision, and it is getting late.

That should have been "beat" not beath

I am thinking this morning Bush's chances may have spiked.

News reports say terrorism is at it's lowest point since 1969. This statistic has far reaching implications in support of many of the questionable decisions Bush has made.

A very strong, irrefutable fact goes in the Bush column.

Bush v Demos statistical nirvana---

An excerpt--
Eighteen months before he will face reelection, the president enjoys a healthy overall advantage over the Democrats. The poll found that Americans trust Bush over the Democrats, by 55 percent to 37 percent, to handle the major problems facing the country.
On the three issues that rank highest in importance to those surveyed-the economy, the war on terrorism and education-Bush holds an advantage over Democrats on the first two, with the country divided on who can best handle education.

SIGNS OF WEAKNESS
Beyond that, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 ?- the defining moment of Bush's presidency ?-erased significant doubts about his capacity to handle a major crisis. Bush's ratings as a "strong leader" shot up to 75 percent and have remained there.
But there are signs of weakness amid the indicators of strength. The poll found lingering concerns that the United States could get bogged down in Iraq and persistent worries that Bush has not paid enough attention to the economy.
Asked whom they trust to create more jobs, Bush trailed Democrats by 51 percent to 40 percent. Just 28 percent said they prefer Bush's proposed tax cut to spending the money on more government services, and 57 percent said the tax cut favors the rich. Only 10 percent of those surveyed said they are better off financially today than when Bush took office, with 48 percent saying they are worse off.
The Post-ABC poll's findings are based on telephone interviews with 1,105 adults conducted from Sunday through Wednesday. Margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Bush's overall approval rating stands at a strong 71 percent, but already it has begun to decline from a wartime peak of 77 percent three weeks ago. Asked about the state of the country, 52 percent of those surveyed said it is moving in the right direction, with 46 percent saying things have gotten seriously off track. Just 35 percent said the state of the economy is good or excellent, with 64 percent saying it is not so good or poor.
Partisan polarization continues to define views of Bush and the state of the country. Just 32 percent of Democrats said the country is heading in the right direction, compared with 72 percent of Republicans and 55 percent of independents. On Bush, 92 percent of Republicans said they approve of how he is handling his job, compared with 53 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of independents.

The whole thing.

Wall Street loves Bush right now. Slam-dunk if the market keeps improving.